THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 3:09:24 PM Eastern
Hunting in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is now open for the 2026 season. Hunting is permitted on all monument land east of the East Branch Penobscot River. It is recommended that all visitors wear high visibility clothing regardless of their location within the monument until hunting seasons concludes. For more information about recreational hunting in the monument, please click below.
Official NPS sourceBe alert for logging trucks along Swift Brook Road between the monument boundary and the start of the Loop Road. Logging trucks will be transporting logs on Swift Brook Road to Roberts Road. Logging trucks ALWAYS have the right of way. Keep your headlights on. Never stop on roads or bridges. Pull over to the side of the road to allow trucks to pass by.
Official NPS sourceStarting Sept 21, the eastern section of the Beech Mountain Loop Trail will be closed for repairs from a junction just beyond the parking lot to just below the summit at the fire tower. Three alternate routes to the summit are available: the outer loop of the Beech Mountain Loop Trail, Beech South Ridge Trail and Beech West Ridge Trail.
Official NPS sourceStarting Aug 31, the Schoodic Mountain Road will be closed for repairs from Schoodic Loop Road to the summit of Schoodic Head. Workers will be operating heavy equipment for resurfacing, regrading and ditching.
Official NPS sourceStarting Aug 31, a section of Ocean Path will be closed for repairs from a trailhead across from the Otter Point parking lot to the trail's southern terminus.
Official NPS sourceFor the most up to date information on Frances Perkins National Monument, please visit the website for the Frances Perkins Center at francesperkinscenter.org.
Official NPS sourceMany closures remain on the Trail following Hurricane Helene's devastation. This will remain true for the foreseeable future. Visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website for an up-to-date list of closures. OBSERVE ALL CLOSURES. Stay safe!
Official NPS sourceHuman-habituated bears have been frequently spotted in the McAfee Knob Area. Allowing bears access to human food or garbage causes it to lose its fear of humans. Follow all food storage regulations, use provided food lockers and never feed a bear.
Official NPS sourceCampobello Island is located in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. The physical address for the Visitor Centre is: 459 Route 774 Welshpool, New Brunswick, Canada E5E 1A4
Official NPS sourceThe park is normally open year-round during daylight hours. Some park facilities are closed during the winter.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet on Monday, September 14, at 1 pm at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center (119 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, Maine). The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment. A virtual meeting option is available for those who are unable to attend in person.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is planning to conduct prescribed burns in Acadia National Park throughout the weekend of April 25, provided weather and fuel conditions are within the prescribed ranges established in the park’s prescribed fire plan. If conditions do not allow for the prescribed burns to take place as planned, NPS will complete them before May 15, 2026.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service looks forward to welcoming visitors to Acadia National Park this season! We expect the 2026 summer season to be BUSY, so make sure to plan ahead and recreate responsibly while you’re here. Prepare for your trip to Acadia National Park by following our list of the top five tips.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) seeks public input to guide the development of a general management plan for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (“the Monument”) starting April 29, 2026.
Official NPS source
To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service temporarily closed areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park until further notice starting March 1. In addition, the parking lot for the Precipice Trail will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS sourceA multiagency response team recovered the body of a 24-year-old man from the ocean near Bar Island at Acadia National Park on Thursday morning.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service recently awarded two major contracts to complete the construction of employee housing at Harden Farm. A $3.4 million contract will connect the site to the town of Bar Harbor’s sewer system, and a $7.4 million contract will construct an additional 28 bedrooms for park employee housing.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that visitors to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in 2024 spent $2.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $3.4 million.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service will begin construction on a new stairway connecting the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (Byron Bridge) to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath at mile 60.6.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at Schoodic Institute’s Moore Auditorium (65 Acadia Dr, Winter Harbor, ME 04693) on Monday, September 8 at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS sourceAcadia National Park rangers responded to a string of emergency incidents and fatalities in the past week. As park rangers prepare for what is sure to be a busy holiday weekend, they urge visitors to take safety precautions during their visit.
Official NPS sourceThe Acadia National Park Advisory Commission will meet at the Training Trailer at Park Headquarters on Monday, June 2, at 1 pm. There will be a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in-person. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
Official NPS source
Beginning April 15, Acadia National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system and only accept mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets for entrance fees. Visitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase a park pass from one of nine local third party vendors.
Official NPS source
Starting March 18, the National Park Service will close carriage roads to all users until further notice to protect the roads during spring thaw, also known as “mud season.” Warmer weather and wet conditions soften the carriage roads and make them susceptible to damage. Walking, bicycling and riding horses in such conditions can cause ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. The NPS will reopen the carriage roads once the gravel surface dries out and becomes firm enough to prevent damage.
Official NPS source
To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will temporarily close areas including Penobscot East Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park on March 1 until further notice. In addition, the parking lot for the Precipice Trail will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Official NPS source
Five artists have accepted invitations to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program at Acadia National Park in 2025. Each invited participant is asked to lead one outreach activity for park visitors and complete a finished work of art for display in park gallery spaces, as well as a permanent online catalog.
Official NPS source
President Joe Biden today established the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine as the 433rd addition to the National Park System at a signing ceremony at the Department of Labor with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and leaders of the labor and women’s rights communities. The new national monument reflects efforts under the President’s Executive Order to strengthen the recognition of women’s history in national parks and historic landmarks across America and honor the legacy and contributions of women and girls to the nation.
Official NPS sourceStarting in 2025, reservations for Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds in Acadia National Park will be available four months earlier than before. Beginning December 1, 2024, 90% of campground reservations will be available up to six months ahead of the desired arrival date. The remaining 10% of the campground reservations will be released two weeks ahead of the desired arrival date, which includes same-day reservations.
Official NPS sourceEnjoy a 2-mile walk on the carriage roads with a ranger and visit the oldest stone bridge in the carriage road system. Along the way visitors will learn about the man who built the carriage roads and how his lasting gifts to Acadia are still appreciated by people today. Meet outside the restrooms at the Jordan Pond House Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-3338, option 0, or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Official NPS sourceJoin a Ranger near Jordan Pond for a 45 minute program into the world of Acadia's porcupines. Learn about what porcupines do for Acadia, and what you can do for porcupines! This program meets in the grassy area in front and to the left of the Jordan Pond House. You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Official NPS sourceHike with a ranger along the Ocean Path trail and learn about Acadia's connection to the culture, history and beauty of coastal Maine. This 2-mile guided hike begins at the Gorham Mountain parking lot. Visitors can park in the parking lot or in the right lane of the road with all four tires on the pavement. Trail is a mix of flat gravel and rocky uphill granite stones. Not recommend for visitors who cannot walk up granite steps. Closed toed shoes, bug spray, water, sunscreen, snacks and extra clothes are recommend.
Official NPS sourceSchedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.
Drop by anytime during program hours to learn about the phenomena of fall raptor migration, other lesser known migrants, and raptor identification. Wear warm clothes, and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. May be adjusted or cancelled due to heavy rain or other adverse weather conditions. Follow the Cadillac North Ridge Trail from the east parking lot at the summit, 200 yards down to an overlook. Need to Know: A Cadillac Summit Road vehicle reservation is required to drive to this location. Visit recreation.gov to reserve one ticket per vehicle. You may purchase a ticket for any time slot during program hours. Terrain on the trail to access the program site is very uneven with rocks and roots in the path. Please be prepared for these conditions if attending. The latest migration data can be followed at: https://hawkcount.org/month_summary.php?rsite=280&go=Go+to+site .
Official NPS sourceEnjoy the car-free carriage roads at a comfortable pace on a ranger-guided 6.0 mile moderate ride while discovering the diverse beauty and history of Acadia. The program price includes the use of a 21-speed bike and helmet for the full day. Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-3338, option 0, or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Official NPS sourceReservations are required and can be made by calling (207) 288-3338 option 0 starting 3 days prior to the program. Location given with reservation. Pursue one of Acadia’s most iconic summits for surrounding views of everything that makes the park famous while l earn ing about the history of the area’s rusticators and founders of Acadia. Strenuous hike- please call for more info! Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-3338, option 0, or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Official NPS sourceJoin a ranger to see and hear some of the wide variety of resident and migratory birds found at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, including raptors, warblers and various songbirds. While you walk the paths at Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, you may hear more birds than you can see. Bring binoculars and a device with the Merlin app if you have them. Paths consist of loose gravel with running and cross slopes up to 6%. The width of the paths ranges from 70" to 86". The distance covered will be approximately 0.25 miles. Note: Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and its restrooms will not be open during the walk. The closest available vault toilets are at the monument boundary on Swift Brook Road and at the Lunksoos Boat Launch.
Official NPS sourceJoin a ranger to see and hear some of the wide variety of resident and migratory birds found at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, including raptors, warblers and various songbirds. While you walk the paths at Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, you may hear more birds than you can see. Bring binoculars and a device with the Merlin app if you have them. Paths consist of loose gravel with running and cross slopes up to 6%. The width of the paths ranges from 70" to 86". The distance covered will be approximately 0.25 miles. Note: Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and its restrooms will not be open during the walk. The closest available vault toilets are at the monument boundary on Swift Brook Road and at the Lunksoos Boat Launch.
Official NPS sourceJoin a ranger to see and hear some of the wide variety of resident and migratory birds found at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, including raptors, warblers and various songbirds. While you explore the area around Lunksoos Boat Launch, you may hear more birds than you can see. Bring binoculars and a device with the Merlin app if you have them. The walk will take place on gravel roads and grassy areas. Footing may be uneven. A vault toilet is available at the Lunksoos Campground.
Official NPS sourceReservations are required and can be made by calling (207) 288-3338 -option 0 starting 3 days prior to the program. Location given with reservation. Join a ranger on a mostly level 1.5 mile walk to learn about the natural history of wetlands and how they change throughout the seasons. Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-3338, option 0, or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Official NPS sourceSchedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.
Please note: October Star Programs can be particularly windy and cold. Rangers strongly suggest bringing layers to the beach. Join rangers on this unique program at Sand Beach to view and learn about Acadia’s amazing night sky! Dress warmly, bring something to lie on, and please minimize flashlight use to preserve night vision. The program will occur whether it’s cloudy or clear. Use of stairs required to access the beach viewing site. Need to Know: All traffic must turn left onto the one-way Park Loop Road when exiting the Sand Beach parking lot Conditions on Sand Beach are variable. Visitors should prepare for wind, cold, and moisture. Please bring additional warm/waterproof layers and something to sit or lie back on comfortably. Accessing Sand Beach requires descending a set of stairs, then navigating uneven terrain across the beach. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring a flashlight/headlamp. Visitors should anticipate unexpected tripping hazards/beach debris. Program attendees will have sensitive eyes as their vision adjusts to the darkness. If you are arriving after dark, please help protect everyone's night vision by directing your flashlights towards the ground and minimizing use of light once you've safely found your place on the beach. The program will occur whether it’s cloudy or clear, but will be cancelled in the event of severe weather/unsafe conditions. This free program is a popular one; arrive early to secure a parking spot and your place on the beach. Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-8832 or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Official NPS sourceSchedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.
Please note: October Night Sky Programs can be particularly windy and cold. Rangers strongly suggest bringing layers to the beach. Join rangers on this unique program at Sand Beach to view and learn about Acadia’s amazing night sky! Dress warmly, bring something to lie on, and please minimize flashlight use to preserve night vision. The program will occur whether it’s cloudy or clear. Use of stairs required to access the beach viewing site. Need to Know: All traffic must turn left onto the one-way Park Loop Road when exiting the Sand Beach parking lot Conditions on Sand Beach are variable. Visitors should prepare for wind, cold, and moisture. Please bring additional warm/waterproof layers and something to sit or lie back on comfortably. Accessing Sand Beach requires descending a set of stairs, then navigating uneven terrain across the beach. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring a flashlight/headlamp. Visitors should anticipate unexpected tripping hazards/beach debris. Program attendees will have sensitive eyes as their vision adjusts to the darkness. If you are arriving after dark, please help protect everyone's night vision by directing your flashlights towards the ground and minimizing use of light once you've safely found your place on the beach. The program will occur whether it’s cloudy or clear, but will be cancelled in the event of severe weather/unsafe conditions. This free program is a popular one; arrive early to secure a parking spot and your place on the beach. Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-8832 or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Official NPS sourceNational Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
Connecticut · Georgia · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Tennessee · Vermont · Virginia · West VirginiaNational Park
Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.
MaineNational Monument
Known as the first woman to hold a presidential cabinet position and the “Woman behind the New Deal,” Frances Perkins championed many labor rights that Americans enjoy today, including safety standards, Social Security, and shorter workweeks. Her impressive career and accomplishments, including as Secretary of Labor, opened the door for other women to hold high government positions.
MaineNational Monument
Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Katahdin, Katahdin Woods and Waters invites discovery of its rivers, streams, woods, flora, fauna, geology, and the night skies that have attracted humans for millennia.
MaineMaine Acadians share beliefs and experiences tying them to a common religion, languages, and history. The St. John River, land, and family are essential to their culture. The National Park Service supports the Maine Acadian Heritage Council, an association of historical societies, cultural clubs, towns, and museums that work together to support Maine Acadian culture in the St. John Valley.
MaineInternational Park
For many years, Franklin D. Roosevelt summered on Campobello Island. As an adult, he shared with his family the same active pursuits he enjoyed on the island as child. Although he visited less frequently after contracting polio, Campobello remained important to FDR. Today Roosevelt Campobello International Park serves as a memorial to FDR and a symbol of cooperation between the U.S. and Canada.
MaineInternational Historic Site
The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua's French expedition. Iced in by freezing temperatures and cut off from fresh water and game, 35 of 79 men died. As spring arrived and native people traded game for bread, the health of those remaining improved. Although the expedition moved on by summer, the beginning of French presence in North America had begun.
MaineDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory